Located in Rockland County, NY, adjacent to Harriman State Park, the 350-acre Dater Mountain Nature Park recently surged to fame as one of the most highly searched hiking spots in America. It offers dramatic cliffside views, historical rock formations, and peaceful wooded loops.
Want to know more? Have a look at the Dater Mountain Nature Park complete guide freely:
Here Are Some Of The Fast Facts
- Location: Johnsontown Road, Sloatsburg, NY
- Size: 350 acres
- Fees: Free
- Pet Policy: Dogs are generally welcome, but should be kept on a leash.
Dater Mountain Hikes & Trails
Harriman State Park trails and hikes in the park are heavily interconnected.
Dater Mountain Loop
A quick and manageable 2.2-mile to 2.5-mile lollipop loop. It takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, featuring a moderately steep climb on the Orange Trail up to the Blue Trail, where you are rewarded with panoramic views overlooking the Thruway and Sloatsburg.
Claudius Smith Den & Almost Perpendicular Loop
A more rugged, 4 to 5-mile loop (approx. 2.5 to 3 hours). This route takes you past a historically famous rocky cave used by the 18th-century “cowboy of the Ramapos,” Claudius Smith, and offers thrilling scrambles near the “Almost Perpendicular” rock drop.
Dater Mountain via Blue Disc Trail
A short, out-and-back trail (about 1.3 miles) if you just want to reach the summit and take in the view.
Trail Navigation & Markers
Trail navigation and markers are your primary tools for staying safely on track in the backcountry. Have a look at some of the most important trails and markers:
- Orange Trail: Steep start up the mountain.
- Blue Trail: Loops back along the ridge for scenic lookouts.
- Blue Disc Trail: Takes you over Dater Mountain.
- White Bar & Tuxedo-Mt. Ivy Trails: Used to access neighboring peaks and Claudius Smith Den.
Expert Tips for Your Trip
Every traveler wants to make every moment memorable. Do you want the same? Have a look at some of the most useful tips to make your trip memorable:
Trailhead Access
Most hikers park at the designated hiker lot at the end of Johnsontown Road in Sloatsburg, NY.
Crowds
The Almost Perpendicular and Claudius Smith Den viewpoints can get somewhat crowded on sunny summer weekends.
Wildlife
The area is a known habitat for timber rattlesnakes and rare Allegheny woodrats; always stay on designated paths and practice safe, low-impact hiking.
Preparation
While it’s a short hike by some standards, sections of the rock scrambles are steep and rugged. Make sure you wear sturdy, broken-in hiking boots.
Dater Mountain Nature Park Camping
Camping is not allowed directly within Dater Mountain Nature Park. The 350-acre park in Sloatsburg, NY, is maintained as an undeveloped, heavily wooded nature preserve, and its rules state it is strictly for day use only.
However, campers flock to the area because Dater Mountain borders the massive Harriman State Park, which is famous for its extensive backcountry, lean-to, and designated camping sites.
